By end of the year, drivers in Qatar will have chance to buy China’s Xpeng electric cars

Published: 24 September 2024

Xpeng cars are fitted with software deemed semi-autonomous and drivers are required to intervene only under certain circumstances.

NT Bureau
Doha

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) builder Xpeng will begin exporting its cars to Qatar as it steps up a global expansion effort, reports say.

The Guangzhou-based company signed an agreement with distributor Pioneer Motors on September 10, taking an initial step towards tapping consumer demand for premium electric cars in Qatar, Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post reported.

By the end of the year, drivers in Qatar will have the chance to buy several fully-electric Xpeng models with self-driving technology, including the P7 sedan and G6 SUV.

“Entering the Qatar market is a strategic move for Xpeng,” said Alex Tang, the carmaker’s general manager of international markets. “It not only strengthens our presence in the Middle East but also complements our mission to provide smart, eco-friendly transport solutions on a global scale.”

Known for its autonomous driving technology, Xpeng has been aggressively expanding into markets outside mainland China as it pursues new growth engines.

At present, Xpeng is also selling its cars in markets like Thailand, France and Australia. The company also offers right-hand-drive cars to customers in Hong Kong.

Xpeng cars fitted with the software are deemed semi-autonomous because drivers are still required to intervene under certain circumstances.

Latin America, the Middle East and Southeast Asia are becoming key destinations among Chinese EV makers for exports and production facilities, according to a report released by ratings agency Moody’s in late August.